May is National Stroke Awareness Month. An estimated 75% of people, especially younger individuals, would not be able to recognize the early symptoms of a stroke. This is a staggering and ominous number, given that up to 80% of strokes could be prevented in the first place. National Stroke Awareness Month was initiated to educate people on how to know when they or someone close to them is having a stroke.
Strokes don’t discriminate. They can happen to anyone at any time and at any age. Even though the majority of strokes still occur among the older generation, the incidence of strokes in younger people is increasingly significantly, mainly due to obesity. With a long-term commitment to changes in lifestyle, those at risk can help themselves. In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, take the time to learn about strokes, their causes, symptoms, and prevention.